Search

This paper argues the origins of research in chemical sciences at the University of Orient, and the first chemical degree course in Cuba. The peculiar origin of the career, as a consequence of the orientation to research towards basic science, promoted by Dr. H. Harry Szmant from whiting the career of Industrial Chemical Engineering, is demonstrated. The creation, purposes and evolution of the Chemical Research Center at the Universidad de Oriente are analized. It is argued that the early decision to organize the Chemistry Conference in 1964, the first on the country, arose from identifying the need to divulgate the results and promote exchange among scientists, It is shown that this event served as platform for the creation of the Cuban Society of Chemistry and the Cuban Journal of Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a historical analysis of two fundamental aspects of hydraulic engineering is made. They are the construction of works and engineering teaching in Cuban context. Evolution of construction and its influence in the formation of professionals can be appreciated. Also, the presence of this professionals has influenced the amount and complexity of works. Here, some social and environmental factors are mentioned, establishing an ancient memory, which has been divided into five parts withholding five centuries. On each part development of works and teaching of this engineering are presented, thus making a historical - logical link between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review of information on personalities, institutions, publications, projects, studies, investigations, and scientific instruments related to Cuban seismology. The paper covers 479 years, from the first earthquake report (1528, in Baracoa) to the present. Five seismologists (Andrés Poey γ Aguirre {1825-1919}, Benito Viñes Martorell, S.J. {1837- 1893}, Pedro Salteraín γ Legarra {1835-?}, Mariano Gutiérrez Lanza {1865-1943}, and Eduardo Montelieu γ de la Torre {1883-?}) carried out scientific work of outstanding quality. The seismicity in the southeastern part is the most important in the country, in terms of magnitude, intensity and frequency of earthquake occurrence. Two earthquakes of 9 degrees (MSK) and eight of 8 degrees (MSK) were recorded, and a 6.9 maximum magnitude was registered on 25.05.1992 in Cabo Cruz. The strongest earthquake in the western part of the island occurred on 22.01.1880 (I = 8 degrees, MSK) in San Cristóbal. Recorded fatalities from earthquakes for the entire territory are slightly over one hundred, much less than in other countries in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main cooling strategy in warm climates, as that of Cuba, is the solar control. However, the sun brake was in disuse, so glass windows without solar protection was increased and the costs of its affectations were ignored. The objectives of this paper are: to characterize the historical evolution of the use of brise-soleil as a shady resource and to obtain the designing angles for solar protection elements so that they can be more efficient and economic. Through virtual simulation (validated through a scale model experiment) the parameters proposed by the current rules and other national documents regarding the design of solar protection in architecture were checked. The criterion for a single type of solar protection element in the north and south facades in the city of Camaguey was changed. Besides, it was demonstrated that multiple elements are more efficient. On the other hand, optimized angles for the design of these elements were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the period of colonial Havana had sculptural works and monuments, first made by foreign artists and then from the late nineteenth century, also by Cuban sculptor. This paper makes a brief review of outstanding examples of sculpture in the Centro Habana municipality and also addresses, for their significance examples located in a border area with Old Havana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper briefly describes the stages of the historical evolution of the town of Matahambre, the physical spatial characteristics that identify the town and distinguish it in the Cuban geography with forms that characterize the settlement which adapts to the rough topography and the vegetation during the process of urbanization. All this makes up a peculiar place, with a rustic architecture that has been coined as a wild landscape. Lastly, cultural values as well as historical memories and attributes which give matahambre the features of a cultural landscape are shown in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]